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End of support for Windows 7

On 14 January 2020, after 10 years, support for Windows 7 will finally end. The operating system is still very often used in private and professional environments. In the future, security updates will no longer be made available, security gaps will no longer be closed and there will be no support for technical problems. The further use of Windows 7 is also no longer responsible for data protection reasons.

Why is Microsoft terminating support for Windows 7?

Microsoft veröffentlichte Windows 7 im Oktober 2009. Das Ende des Supports findet nach 10 Jahren Support 14. Januar 2020 statt. Nach offiziellen Aussagen von Microsoft, konzentrieren sich aktuelle Investitionen auf neue Technologien und Anwendungen. Im Interview mit dem Handelsblatt erklärte Microsoft: “Um höchste Sicherheit und eine zeitgemäße Funktionalität zu gewährleisten besitzt jede Windows-Version einen klar definierten Lebenszyklus, den wir unseren Kunden transparent machen”. Bereits seit fünf Jahren gibt es keine neuen Funktionen innerhalb von Windows 7. Ab dem 14. Januar 2020 enden auch die technische Unterstützung sowie Software-Updates. Trotzdem soll noch jeder dritte PC-Nutzer mit Windows 7 arbeiten.

What data protection risks arise?

Although Windows 7 can still be used, the risks for the Data protection and IT security. In the worst case, so-called malicious code can be installed on the computer if it is connected to the Internet. This enables third parties to access all data on the end device. This also includes content such as passwords, online banking or e-mails with confidential content.

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How should companies deal with the update?

Für Firmen ist der Umstieg auf Windows 10 problematisch, da oftmals speziell für das Unternehmen entwickelte Software auf das neue Betriebssystem angepasst werden muss. Aus diesem Grund bietet Microsoft Firmen mit dem kostenpflichtigen “Extended Security Update”-Programm noch bis zu drei Jahre technische Unterstützung an. Firmen bezahlen dafür allerdings für jeden Rechner extra und müssen sich perspektivisch auch mit dem Umstieg auf Window 10 beschäftigen.

What should private users do now?

Microsoft strongly recommends to switch to Windows 10. With the launch of Windows 8 and Windows 10, Microsoft offered Windows 7 users a free upgrade to the two higher versions. Although the official period for the free upgrade has already expired, Windows 7 users can still upgrade free of charge with the Windows Update Assistant. The Windows Update Assistant also checks your computer to see if the new operating system can be installed. For customers with older PC models, it may also be worthwhile to purchase a new model. Windows automatically includes the latest version of Windows.

Caroline Schwabe
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